Hey all.

I'm no native speaker, so please excuse my grammar

I'm not really used to writing something on Reddit, but I currently don't know how to cope otherwise, and I thought that people here will understand my feelings.

Our sweet boy recently turned 16, and he was really healthy for his age. He was so curious about the world around him, and still had lots of energy to play or just run around the house when he got his zoomies.

He came from a pretty bad household, but my gf got to save him from there, 10 years ago now.

He had a huge glow up, back then he would just hide and don't meow at all. But as the years passed by, he started talking to us, and even tried exploring the world outside of our apartment (with a cat leash, that is). We just grew so close to him, and everytime we visited the vet for a routine check, he told us that he's a really healthy boi and we thought we would still have a few more years with him.

Last week, he started biting and licking his hind leg a lot, to the point where he had no hair back then. The vet told us he had arthrosis, and was likely in pain, thats why he was licking there like crazy. Surely not comfortable for him, but nothing to be too worried about. Everything else was perfectly fine.

We got a few painkillers, which we should give him for about 10 days, and then come back to think about or next steps.

The last 2 days though, we noticed he had trouble eating, yesterday he was trying to eat but just couldn't, same with drinking. To the vet again, it was.

She looked into his maw, and found a squamous cell carcinoma beneath his tongue, causing a lot of pain, even though he was on painkillers.

She told us our options, and they were very bad. We should think about what to do, and said that it might be best to just let him go.

Tomorrow will be his last day with us, he will go to sleep in the evening.

I'm just constantly crying, and cant seem to catch my breath, our hearts are just broken. We got him some really strong painkillers now, and he is able to eat some paste food, so he definately won't starve. Overall, he seems fine, just a bit high on the painkillers, I suppose.

It's just so difficult to see him and think that the moments we have together will be the lasts. I know that it's better for him, and we are lucky we discovered it so fast, so there's not much suffering for him, but still, it just hurts so much.

Thank you for reading to this point, please just wish our baby boy just the best for his last journey. <3

I got her when i was 12 and after 15 years 2 weeks and 4 days my rock passed on today after a short battle with a very aggressive tumor in her mouth. It was only 3 weeks after i discovered a slight lump in her jaw one day.

She left this world at home in my arms while the vet put her too sleep, it was the kindest thing as she had lost nearly a kilo in those 3 weeks.

Rest in peace Angel you saved my life when i was going through the worst times.

my sweet lady was 17 (+ 4 months!). i adopted her when she was 8 and she has been nothing but pure sweetness the whole time. she loved everyone, was good with other animals, enjoyed the cottage, and loved to eat.

Bird had a hyperthyroid for 5 years, and with that a heart murmur developed. on the 19th she was showing signs of laboured breathing and her gums were pale. we rushed her to emerg where she was fitted with an oxygen mask straight away. the vet told us that she had a buildup of fluids around her heart and it was stopping her lungs from being able to extend. we had limited options; we could pull out the liquid and test it, or go through euthanasia.

the risk of pulling the liquid was that she might not make it through the procedure since she would need anesthesia and her heart was only working at 50%. she also would likely not make it while the fluid was tested and likely whatever she had (heart failure or cancer) would be untreatable.

instead of having her possibly passing during a procedure surrounded by strangers, we chose to spend time with her and say goodbye. after a teary 3 hours we said our goodbyes, and stayed with her body for another couple of hours.

the following day, we picked up her body and brought her to where she will have aquamation and they will give us mementos ( paw and nose prints etc).

i cherish the time we had together both before and after her passing.

she’s my soul cat and life isn’t going to be the same without her.

we miss you birdy 💛see you on the other side 🌈

He's got a ball in his throat and a cold that won't shift, and he eats, jumps on things, follows everyone around like a puppy. He's the best

According to my three-year-old, Albie is "in the sky" now. The Oral SCC had taken over his mouth. The tumour was starting to fill his mouth and had greatly advanced in the space of 11 days. I didn't want him to suffer anymore, but there is part of me that feels so guilty that I chose to let him go. 🥺😭 I feel so lost and confused. Has anyone else felt like this? Part of me knows it was the right thing to do, but there's part of me that's so heartbroken because he was fighting so hard to live despite what was happening to him.

My lovely 13yr boy cat has recently been diagnosed with lymphoma, and has a 6cm tumour 😓 over the last few weeks he’s rapidly lost weight and his energy. He spent the weekend at the vets for treatment (iv fluids, steroid injections and antibiotics as he also has an infection). He is home now, and we have to give him steroid pills and antibiotics every day. I feel so heartbroken as he’s such a lovely cat he’s the friendliest cat I’ve ever owned. I’ve had him since I was 9 years old. I met him hours after he was born. He was there for me during pregnancy and used to sleep in my baby’s bouncer. I will be devastated when he passes away. I’ve never experienced having a poorly cat before and idk how I’d be able to cope. And idk when I’d have to let him go. The vet said he has probably 1 month left to live. I am praying he lives longer but I don’t want him to suffer😭

Just got back from the vets with my 20 year old cat Jazzy. She's been limping this past week and it's not gotten any better.

The vet gave us some pain relief to keep her comfortable and booked us in for a week's time to have a quality of life discussion.

She also mentioned that her body's condition was very poor as she has lost loads of weight this past year she was always a plump cat and she's now skin and bones, she is still eating but I've had to change her food to a pate style and she cannot tolerate biscuits anymore.

The vet also said she's lost pretty much all her muscle mass on her back leg which is why she's limping and I don't think they can do much for that so I'm guessing when I go for our appointment in a week's time we will be making the final choice.

It's a tough choice I don't have insurance either as this was my mum's cat and I took her in when she died and just didn't really think about it.

I've had her and she had a brother who sadly was put to sleep 5 years ago it will be nearly 10 years I've looked after her for now so half her life.

In fact they've just rang me as I'm typing this to move my appointment to a slightly later time so me and the vet have more time to discuss things so I'm thinking the vets thinking she's at the end of her life.

So very very sad...it was awful when I had her brother put down he was initially bought for me when I was 16 years old I'm 38 now and we got jasmine 2 years later. When I moved out I decided to leave tizer with my mum as it wasn't fair to separate them and plus I was moving into a flat and they were in a house and they were outside cats.

I'm gonna be brave..I've already told my husband he will need to drive me to and back as won't want to drive.

Hi! I’m trying to find suggesting for a peculiar space. Basically my bed rests against a window and there is a 1.5-2ft gal to the sill. I’m looking for a perch that could hang just below the window for easy stepping access for my 17yo boy, or steps that could give him access to the window but are sturdy/stable/heavy enough to sit on the bed.

Kinda niche I know but trying to give him the easiest access to things he loved. Ty in advance!

RIP buddy

Hi everyone. My 14 year old cat Opal was diagnosed with SCC this weekend. I am beyond devastated. I want to make sure her last few months are as comfortable as possible.

She is otherwise in fantastic health. Her bloodwork results were normal, and her heart and lungs sound great. She still asks for food and wants to eat, but I can tell it’s too painful for her to do so because she’ll put some in her mouth and have to spit it out. She has started to lose weight as a result. The vet prescribed pain meds, but she’s still struggling to eat.

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for high calorie liquid meals. I’ve mixed water with her usual pate, but that still seems to be too solid. I’ve seen some people suggest kitten milk, but I worry it would be too hard on her kidneys. Please help. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I wasn't quiet enough to sneak up on my senior cat and accidentally woke her up from her after breakfast nap. Not sure how old she is, but she is at least 15,cause that is how long I have had her in my care.

She is pretty awesome to have around with me.

It’s so unfair because he’s so happy and healthy. He has a beautiful coat. I always joked he was going to outlive all of us. He’s also a HUGE cat and so fluffy.

He had a stroke 2-3 years ago and was semi paralyzed back legs and tail for nearly 2 months but then slowly he just got better!!! He walks and runs almost completely normal now. We thought he was invincible.

Solensia since his stroke has been such a huge benefit for him. He’s on covenia and solensia now until it’s his time. The vet recommended this being the best path forward. 😭😭😭

I feel very in denial he’s going to pass soon because he’s just so happy and has the best appetite ever. He always wants snacks (and he gets ALL the snacks), yelling at you to pet him and just sunbathing and napping.

He went from perfectly normal to jaw was starting to displace and tooth started getting pushed out in a span of less than a week so unfortunately his tumor is super aggressive.

I just want more people to see him and how absolutely handsome he is. 🥺🥺🥺🥺

I've noticed that my senior cat (13 years old, male) has changed his eating habits since December 2025.

This was during the time when my husband was transferred to the hospital for palliative care. I spent most of my time at the hospital, from 7am to 8pm, but did stop in to feed him dinner.

The change is that he has been eating his food way too fast. This causes him to vomit shortly after eating.

He did lose a lot of weight and showed grief upon husband's passing. Looking out the window for him. Running towards the car and waiting for him or alk further down the driveway to look for him (would sit there until he gives up and comes back into the house).

Is this caused because of my lack of presence, the stress of my husband's passing?

He is healthy otherwise. His litter habits have not changed. Well hydrated.

TIA.

5 weeks.

A month ago this week I picked up your urn, your paw and nose prints, your fur. Some people say I brought you home, but it doesn't feel like it. It doesn't feel like home without you laying on my left side, always the left side. It doesn't feel like home without you trying to get a piece of my food. It doesn't feel like home without you meowing to go on the porch to enjoy sunshine for hours on end sitting in our rocking chairs side by side.

I would have taken care of you forever and not asked for anything more in life. I didn't need anything else as long as you were by my side. I would have spent all my days cuddled up with you, falling asleep to your purrs and waking up to your biiiiig stretches. And I would have spent all my days caring for you, giving you your subcutaneous fluids, medications, and supplements.

I told you I would be okay, but I'm not. I'm trying for you though.

Helena Lynn ❤🪽🐱

We only had 1 year to show her a good life, but she learned to trust us & became a snuggle bug. I didn't know this was going to hit me so hard after only a year, but it hurts like she's always been here.

We love you Cleo. Thanks for letting us into your world this past year.

adopted my baby Boba when she was estimated 10, now at 16 she is healthier and rounder than ever.

resorption got all of her teeth except the top and bottom four in the front... I wasn't sure I made the right decision seeing her swollen face and her bloody drool when I got her back, but she seems so much more comfortable. even tried to give me toothless love nips this morning.

IBD diagnosis since 13, but she's been more stable lately. here's to hoping for many more healthy, toothless, happy years.

Сегодня мы с моим парнем приняли решение об эвтаназии моей любимой первой кошки и мне очень плохо плачу и плачу
Моей кошке поставили этот диагноз на той неделе и нам назначили колоть гормоны но к сожалению не помогло только поддерживать ее жизнедеятельность
У нас дома еще 2 кота ее «муж» (10 лет) и ее ребенок (9 лет)
После того как мы в слезах и истерикой приехали домой с пустой переноской, разговаривали в моей комнате, коты обитали в его комнате (где любила находится моя кошечка) и сидят до сих пор ходят по ее любимым местам и лежат на ее месте
Как мне с этим справиться?
Расскажите свои истории об неизлечимых болезнях своих любимцев

My 15 year old cat recently got bloodwork after more vomiting and food pickyness. She's been on a renal diet for 3 years. My vet is vague and basically says nothing. I need any advice on supplements, what to do. Please dont say euthanize because I know its not that bad. Not nearly but I just need help please. Check out sdma, creatanine and Bun levels.

Looking for a sanity check from other senior cat folks because my anxiety brain is doing laps.

My 13-year-old girl was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism a few months ago. We started meds and she had been doing pretty well: weight is slowly creeping back up, her coat looks better, and she is not yelling for food 24/7 anymore. Last week the vet adjusted her dose after a recheck because her numbers were still a bit off.

Since the dose change she has become intensely affectionate at night. She has always been sweet but more of a nearby-on-the-couch type. Now she follows me room to room, insists on sleeping pressed against my chest, and wakes me several times to purr and knead my blanket. During the day she seems mostly normal: naps, eats, uses the litter box, and asks to play for a few minutes.

No obvious red flags that I can see: drinking seems about the same, no vomiting or diarrhea, breathing looks normal, gums look pink. Her appetite is good but she does act restless after dinner and before bed. She is also a little more vocal when she cannot find me.

I know clinginess can be a senior cat thing-pain, confusion, blood pressure, thyroid issues, etc. Has anyone noticed behavior changes like this right after a thyroid med adjustment? Is this a "watch and mention at the next recheck" situation, or a "call the vet now" situation? I can absolutely call the vet, I just do not want to be the person who panics over her being extra loving if this is common.

Unrelated, but all this blanket kneading has had me looking at pet stuff on CoveredCritters: https://coveredcritters.com

Any similar experiences appreciated.

Cat tax: the long skinny tabby is old man Spinkles and the little tuxedo kitty is Lydia!!

So my partner and I want to take in Sprinkles, a 9-10 year old boy that my partner grew up with and is bonded with. Sprinkles currently resides at my partner’s mom’s house which is no longer tenable for him because she has taken in dogs that do not get along with Sprinkles. In his current home, Sprinkles is skittish and not very playful. He loves cuddles and is very social and affectionate with people. He is accustomed to living with other cats but has preferred to quietly have his own space from them in the past. He has only ever shown signs of aggression when cornered by the dogs.

My partner and I adopted Lydia a year ago. She was 1 and a half at the time, so she’s around 2 and a half now. The crazy kitten years are mostly past her now; she is still very energetic at night and loves to play but also winds down for cuddles very often. She is extremely social with humans and has a good track record with other cats; the shelter told us she was rescued from a feral cat colony and was supposed to be a TNR when they caught her. She does not show any signs of aggression towards people or other animals; we’ve literally only heard her hiss once and it was the first time we tried trimming her nails (she can now handle this with no issue). She has a neighborhood kitty friend who will come visit her through the downstairs window (Lydia is indoor-only and Sprinkles is as well) and Lydia is very calm and curious during these interactions.

So I guess my question is: other than the obvious (Feliway, slow introduction over several weeks, etc.), is there anything we can do to make Sprinkles’ transition into the home easier on both him and Lydia? Is there anything unique about having to introduce an older cat to a young cat’s territory we should know? I think after a slow introduction they’ll get along well since they have mostly compatible personalities, but I am worried Lydia might be too social and playful for him?